Motion transmitting mechanism



J1me 1965 c. HADDAD MOTION TRANSMITTING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 31, 1964 FIG. 2

CHARLES HADDAD INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS C. HADDAD 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

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m D D A H S E L R A H C ATTORNEYS June 8, 1965 MOTION TRANSMITTING MECHANISM Q Filed Jan. 31, 1964 United States Patent 3,187,603 MOTION TRANSMITTING MECHANISM Charles Haddad, Allen Park, Mich., assignor to Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Filed Jan. 31, 1964, Ser. No. 342,596 6 Claims. (Cl. 74-501) This invention relates to a motion transmitting mechanism for transmitting movement between a pair of control elements. Although not restricted thereto, the invention is particularly adaptable for use in linking the ac celerator pedal of a motor vehicle with the carburetor throttle valve of an internal combustion engine.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending patent application entitled Motion Transmitting Means, Serial No. 137,078, filed September 11, 1961 and now abandoned.

It is common practice in a motor vehicle to employ a number of rigid parts such a links, rods, arms, shafts, brackets and bellcranks to translate movement of the accelerator pedal into accurate and coordinated movement of the carburetor throttle valve. A number of factors dictate the use of the large and varied number of parts found heretofore in this type of linkage. First the carburetor throttle valve is usually positioned in vertical and horizontal planes that are displaced from the accelerator pedal. Second the carburetor throttle valve opening movement generally takes place in a sense that is reversed rom the downward movement of the accelerator pedal. Third the internal combustion engine is prone to movement relative to the vehicle body. The transfer of this movement from the engine to the vehicle body results in movement of the accelerator pedal known in the art as pedal walk. Pedal walk becomes more acute and noticeable when the vehicle is quickly accelerated or decelerated or when the vehicle is operated over uneven road surfaces.

It has been proposed to employ a flexible transmitter in lieu of the conventional accelerator linkage. These flexible transmitters known generally as Bowden wire actuators permit relative movement between the vehicle engine and body without causing movement of the throttle valve or accelerator pedal. The conventional Bowden wire actuator however cannot accomplish the motion reversal required in some vehicles. That is each end of the flexible transmitter moves in the same sense with respect to the adjacent end of the protective sheath that confines the flexible transmitter for axial movement. It therefore is necessary to provide an additional linkage system to accomplish the motion reversal.

It is a principle object of this invention to provide a motion transmitting mechanism embodying a flexible transmitter that accomplishes motion reversal without resorting to a supplemental linkage system.

A further object is to provide a connection between a carburetor throttle valve and an accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle wherein movement of the accelerator pedal is efficiently imparted to the throttle valve.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a force transmitting mechanism comprising a flexible element of push-pull type wherein a compression force and subsequent movement of one of the members is translated into a tensile force and movement of the other of said members.

First and second control elements are connected by a novel motion transmitting mechanism embodying this invention. The motion transmitting mechanism comprising a first flexible means afiixed at one of its ends for movement with the first control element and a second flexible means affixed at one of its ends for movement 3,187,603 Patented June 8, 1965 with the second control element. The other ends of each of the flexible means are substantially rigid in the direction of their longitudial axes. First and second guide means support the other ends of the flexible means for movement substantially along their longitudinal axes simultaneous with movement of the control elements. The other ends of the flexible means are connected for simultaneous movement in substantially the same direction by a connection that is substantially rigidi 11 an axial direction.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be come more apparent when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view partly in section of a motor vehicle accelerator linkage embodying this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken on the plane indi cated by the line 2'2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken on the plane indicated by the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of one of the motion transmitting elements.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of an accelerator pedal embodying an alternate form of return spring.

Referring now to the drawings a cylinder head of an in ternal combustion engine embodying an integral intake manifold is indicated at 10. A carburetor 11 is suitably mounted upon the intake manifold portion of the cylinder head 10. The carburetor 11 is provided with a conventional throttle valve 12 fixed to a rotatable throttle valve shaft 13. The throttle valve shaft 13 in turn has a throttle lever 14 fixed for rotation therewith. Rotation of the throttle lever 14 and the throttle valve shaft 13 results in selective opening or closing of the throttle valve 12 with a corresponding change in engine speed. A throttle return spring 16 has a hooked end 17 anchored to the cylinder head 10 and a coiled end 18 wound upon a bolt 19. The bolt 19 is secured to the lower end of the throttle lever 14. The throttle return spring 16 urges the throttle valve 12 toward is closed or idle position.

Actuation of the throttle valve 12 is accomplished by manipulation of a foot operated accelerator pedal 21. The accelerator pedal 21 is pivotally supported upon a vehicle body floor pan 22 adjacent a first wall portion 23. The accelerator pedal 21 and throttle lever 14 are connected by a motion transmitting mechanism indicated generally at 24. The motion transmitting mechanism 24 comprises a pair of integrally connected flexible elements 26 and 27. Elements 26 and 27 may be fabricated from a round steel wire so that they are substantially imcompressible along their longitudinal axes. The flexible elements 26 and 27 have substantial length in relation to their cross-sectional area so that the longidudinal axis may be deformed under the exertion of forces in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis.

A sheath or guide 28 surrounds the flexible element 26 to confine the flexible element 26 for movement along the longitudinal axis of the guide 28 under the influence of compressive or tensile forces. The guide 28 resists movement of the flexible element 26 in directions normal to its longitudinal axis. The guide 26 also has limited flexibility to accommodate deflections in shape of its longitudinal axis and that of the flexible element 26. Flexible element 27 is also surrounded by a similar sheath or guide indicated at 30.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a section of the flexible element 26 and its associated guide 28. The flexible element 27 and its guide 30 is substantially the same in construction. The guide 28 is provided with oppositely extending detents or bands 29 and 31 separated by apertures 32. The flexible element 26 extends through the apertures 32 and is guided on opposite sides by the bands 29 and 31. A protective jacket or casing 35 surrounds the guide 28 to prevent the entrance of foreign particles between the guide 2% and flexible element 26. The exact construction of the flexible transmitters is not a critical feature of the invention. It is only necessary that the flexible elements themselves be substantially incompressible in the direction of their longitudinal axes and have some resistance to deformation under forces exerted normal to the longitudinal axis. A flexible transmitter of the type shown in U.S. Patent No. 2,601,083, issued in the name of W. H. D. Brouse on June 17, 1952, has proven effective.

The lower ends of the flexible elements 26 and 27 are interconnected by an integral U-shaped section 34 having upstanding leg portions 36 and 37 that are joined with the flexible elements 26 and 27, respectively. The U-shaped section 34 is substantially rigid along the axes of leg portions 36 and 37. The portion of the guides 28. and 30 adjacent the U-shaped section 34 are substantially parallel so. that the respective ends of the flexible elements 26 and 27 move along parallel lines and define a common plane. The respective ends of the guides 28 and 3% may be fixed in this position by any suitable means, for example by the clamp 33. If desired, an elastomer boot 39 may be secured by the clamp 38 around the U-shaped section 34 to keep out fo-reignmatte-r and moisture. The flexible element 26 terminates in a coiled portion 465 that is wound about a bolt 41 secured to an intermediate portion of the throttle lever 14. The flexible element 27 extends through the fire wall 23 and terminates in a portion 42 that is coiled about a pin 43. Pin 4-3 is secured between spaced apart anchor portion 44 on the underside of the accelerator pedal 21 (FIGURE 2).

A bracket 46. is fixed to the cylinder head lit? or other appropriate engine portion and has an upstanding portion 47. The guide 28 is bent away from theflexible element 26 form an attachment flange 48. A bolt 49 secures the flange 48 to the upstanding bracket portion 47. The guide 33. is bent back on the push-pull element 27 to form an attachment flange 50 that is secured by a bolt to the engine side of the fire wall 23. By anchoring the guides 28 and 30, force transmitted to the element 27 will result in movement of the elements 26 and 27 along their longitudinal axes.

In operation, depression of the accelerator pedal 21 exerts a. compression force on the flexible element 27. Element 27 will move linearly in the guide 3% with its longitudinal axis flexing to conform to the longitudinal axis of guide 30. The linear movement causes the adjacent portions 36 and 37 of the elements 26 and 27 to move in the same linear direction, as indicated by the arrow 5-2. A tensile force is exerted on the element 26 and a reverse motion, therefore, is obtained without bellcranks, shafts, and links.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, an alternate embodiment of the throttle return spring is shown. In this embodiment the return spring 53 is disposed between the underside of the accelerator pedal 21 and the fire Wall 23.

It can be seen that variations in manufacturing tolerances in the location of the carburetor with respect to the accelerator pedal are permitted without unduly complicating the structure of the motion transmitting mechanism. Furthermore, the flexibility of the motion transmitting mechanism allows movements of the engine relative to the body to occur without imparting the motion to the acceler ator pedal.

Although the construction disclosed in the figures of the drawings indicate that the motion transmitting mechanism 24 utilizes integrally joined flexible elements 26 and 27, it is possible and contemplated that these elements may be separable pieces connected at the portion where the U-shaped section 34 now exists.

It is to be understood that thi invention is not to be limited to the exact contruction shown and described, but

(2,, that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A motion transmitting mechanism for transmit-ting motion between first and second control elements comprising first flexible means aflixed at one of its ends for movement with said first control element, second flexible means affixed at one of its ends for movement with said second control element, the other ends of each of said flexible means being substantially rigid in the direction of their longitudinal axes, first guide means supporting said other end of said first flexible means for movement substantially along its longitudinal axis simultaneous with movement of saidfirst control element, second guide means supporting said other end of said second flexible means for movement substantially along its longitudinal axis simultaneous with movement of said second control element, and means comprising a U-shaped section formed from an element that is substantially incompressible inthe direction of its longitudinal axis :for providing a substantially rigid connection in an axial direction between said other ends of said. flexible means for transmitting axial movement of one of said other ends intoaxial movement of the other of said other ends in substantially the same direction.

2. A motion transmitting mechanism as defined by claim 1 wherein the guide means are disposed to direct the longitudinal axes of the other ends of the flexible means in parallel directions.

3. A motion transmitting mechanism as defined by claim 1 wherein the guide means direct the longitudinal axes of the other ends of the flexible means to define a common plane,

4. A motion transmitting mechanism for transmitting motion between first and second control elements comprising first flexible means affixed at one of, its ends and for movement with said first control element, first guide means surrounding said. first flexible means, said first flexible means being substantially rigid along its longitudinal axis for reciprocation in said first guide means simultaneous with movement of said first control element, second flexible means aflixed at one end for movement with said second control element, second guide means encircling said second flexible means, said seeond flexible means being subtantially rigid along it longitudinal axis for reciprocation within said second guide means simultaneous with movement of said second control element,

a each of said guide means terminating adjacent the other end of each of said flexible means, means fixing the ends of said guide means againt movement, and an integral U-shaped section connectingthe other ends of said flexible means for simultaneous movementv in the same direction and sense.

5. A motion transmitting mechanism as defined by claim 4 wherein each of the guide means extends in substantially the same direction adjacent the other ends of said flexible means.

6. A motion transmitting mechanism for transmitting motion between first and second control elements comprising a first flexible transmitter aflixed at one of its ends for movement with said first control element, a second. flexible transmitter affixed at one of its ends for movement with said second control element, said flexible transmitters being substantially incompressible in the directionof their longitudinal axes, first guide means restraining said first flexible transmitter against movement relative to said first guide means in directions normal to the longitudinal axis of said first flexible transmitter, second guide mean restraining said second flexible transmitter against movement relative to said second guide means in directions normal to the longitudinal axis of said second flexible transmitter, each of said guide means terminating at end portions positioned remotely from said control elements,

rections for directing the longitudinal axes of the respective ends of said flexible transmitters in parallel directions, and means including an integral U-shapedsec- 'tion providing a connection between the respective ends of said flexible transmitters, said U-shaped section being substantially rigid in direction ofthe longitudinal axes of said respective ends, said U-shaped section further being freely movable in the direction of the longitudinal axes of said respective ends upon movement of said control elements.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 975,602 11/10 Becker 74-501 X 2,236,145 3/41 Kolb 74-526 X 6 6/ 42 *Broulhiet 74501 6/52 Brouse 74-501 2/57 Kramm 7450 1 X 12/58 Fuerstein et a1.

2/59 Thomas 74501 5/63 Thompson 74501 5/63 Bachmann 74-513 FOREIGN PATENTS 8/3 1 France.

(Addition to 665,510) 7/45 France.

4/58 Great Britain.

BROUGHTON G. DURHAM, Primary Examiner. 

1. A MOTION TRANSMITTING MECHANISM FOR TRANSMITTING MOTION BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND CONTROL ELEMENTS COMPRISING FIRST FLEXIBLE MEANS AFFIXED AT ONE OF ITS ENDS FOR MOVEMENT WITH SAID FIRST CONTROL ELEMENT, SECOND FLEXIBLE MEANS AFFIXED AT ONE OF ITS ENDS FOR MOVEMENT WITH SAID SECOND CONTROL ELEMENT, THE OTHER ENDS OF EACH OF SAID FLEXIBLE MEANS BEING SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID IN THE DIRECTION OF THEIR LONGITUDINAL AXES, FIRST GUIDE MEANS SUPPORTING SAID OTHER END OF SAID FIRST FLEXIBLE MEANS FOR MOVEMENT SUBSTANTIALLY ALONG ITS LONGITUDINAL AXIS SIMULTANEOUS WITH MOVEMENT OF SAID FIRST CONTROL ELEMENT, SECOND GUIDE MEANS SUPPORTING SAID OTHER END OF SAID SECOND FLEXIBLE MEANS FOR MOVEMENT SUBSTANTIALLY ALONG ITS LONGITUDINAL AXIS SIMULTANEOUS WITH MOVEMENT OF SAID SECOND CONTROL ELEMENT, AND MEANS COMPRISING A U-SHAPED SECTION FORMED FROM AN ELEMENT THAT IS SUBSTANTIALLY INCOMPRESSIBLE IN THE DIRECTION OF ITS LONGITUDINAL AXIS FOR PROVIDING A SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID CONNECTION IN AN AXIAL DIRECTION BETWEEN SAID OTHER ENDS OF SAID FLEXIBLE MEANS FOR TRANSMITTING AXIAL MOVEMENT OF ONE OF SAID OTHER ENDS INTO AXIAL MOVEMENT OF THE OTHER OF SAID OTHER ENDS IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME DIRECTION. 